The youngest goalkeeper ever to start and record a clean sheet in Major League Soccer history now backstops the league's latest Team of the Week selection, as announced on Thursday.
17-year-old Chicago Fire FC Academy product Gabriel Slonina got the starting nod in last night's 0-0 draw with New York City FC in place of the injured Bobby Shuttleworth, and made four saves en route to helping preserve a vital point at home.
Slonina reflected on the historic moment at length during his first-ever postmatch press conference, crediting his teammates for fostering his confidence and encouraging the generation of young players behind him to continue working towards their goals..
"I had dreams to play at Soldier Field," he said. "I have dreams of becoming the best goalkeeper in the world, and it's just to never give up and never let anyone tell you what you can do and what you can't do.”
Slonina and the Fire are back at Soldier Field on Sunday for an evening kickoff against the New York Red Bulls (5 p.m. CT | TICKETS). Coverage can be found on WGN-TV, CFFC Live, and TUDN 1200AM.
Check out the full Week 17 MLS Team of the Week below:
